News Article

Foundation, Champions for Learning Partner to Create 12 Scholarships

Sep 28, 2012

Two local organizations with a passion for learning have teamed together to help twelve Golden Gate High School juniors go to college.

What makes this different?

The Edison State College Foundation and The Education Foundation, now called Champions For Learning™ are combining local funds which are being matched dollar for dollar by the state through the Stanley Tate Project STARS Scholarship Program of the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.  This collaborative pilot to leverage local resources will provide scholarships for twelve students who wish to pursue a two-year degree at Edison State College.

“Part of our new mission involves investing in and leveraging resources to support innovation around student learning,” said Susan McManus, President of Champions For Learning.  “Having the opportunity to work with the Florida College Access Network to identify opportunities for Collier students has been tremendous, and has helped us to focus this pilot effort on students at Golden Gate High.”

Champions For Learning will work with Collier County Public Schools and Golden Gate High School to select juniors and provide these students with a mentor and college preparation support.  This will be an adaptation of the Take Stock in Children model that the foundation currently manages.  After the students graduate from high school, they will attend Edison State College.

“Part of our mission as a foundation is to support students and their higher education goals. This is a new way to help more students who want a promising career that doesn’t necessarily require a four-year degree,” said Kevin Miller, Executive Director, Edison State College Foundation. “By putting our resources all together, we can make an even bigger impact on the lives of these students.”

“Our proximity to Golden Gate High School translates to an added convenience for these students,” said Dr. Robert Jones, Campus President, Edison State College, Collier Campus. “They will be closer to home and that lessens the amount of commuting they would need to do. We have a dynamic campus with not only exceptional faculty and support services teams, but also highly-regarded student life activities. These students will have the benefit of a well-rounded, college experience.”

Last Updated: June 20, 2013